- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
State Recreation Area
150 S. Highway 183 | Elm Creek, NE 68836
Sandy Channel State Recreation Area provides great opportunities for fishing, floating, kayaking, and primitive camping. This area, located 3 miles south of Elm Creek, encompasses approximately 180 acres, including 52 acres of water in six lakes. Clear water provides a scenic atmosphere for scuba divers. Recent improvements at Sandy Channel include fishing access, boat ramps, picnic tables, grills, hiking trails, kiosk and handicap accessible latrines.
Aerial view of Sandy Channel State Recreation Area in Nebraska. Photo by Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine
Phelps County. Sandy Channel State Recreation Area. Hiking path at Sandy Channel. These scenic paths lead to fishing spots at numerous lakes at Sandy Channel. Along the paths are birds, other wildlife and many plants. Geiser, June, 21, 2019. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Waterside tent camping at Sandy Channel State Recreation Area in Phelps County. Copyright Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Sandy Channel has a series of sandpit lakes that offer anglers a variety of opportunities. Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie can be found in all of the pits as well as a variety of other species. Pit #8, the largest pit located on the north and northeast side of the area, may even offer anglers a chance of catching a walleye or even a muskellunge. Bow-fishing and spearfishing opportunities for non-game fish also abound.
For more information on fishing opportunities here and at parks across the state, visit the interactive public fishing areas map. This map provides detailed information on available species, regulations, public boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and ADA-accessible boat ramps and docks, among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.
Hunting opportunities at Sandy Channel include dove, rabbit and waterfowl on 180 acres of land.
Electric motor and non-powered boats are the only boat types allowed.
Improvements include picnic tables and grills for popular campsites and shaded picnic areas.
Sandy Channel is located near the Elm Creek interchange on I-80. Nearby attractions include the Chevyland U.S.A. Auto Museum, Fort Kearny State Historical Park and the Cabela’s flagship store.
Sandy Channel offers 30 non-pad sites without electricity which are available year-round on a first come, first serve basis.
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
